EXPOSED: Observing Human Behavior (4 Programs)
Joy, sadness, fear, anger - sometimes they hide behind a calm, sociable façade. In other cases, the more we try to conceal them, the more visible they become. This four-part series illuminates connections between the physical and psychological aspects of human behavior. Viewers will gain an understanding of the importance of body language, facial expression, and tone of voice, in relation to key concepts such as empathy, aggression, and territorial instinct. Hosted by noted psychologist John Marsden, each program explores, through humorous, poignant, and sometimes frightening examples, the interrelationship of human emotion and action.
There are four 56-minute programs in the series:
LIARS
It’s been estimated that there are over 100 different types of lie - some good, some bad, some pure evil. Although lying is universal, it may be the most poorly understood of all human traits. In this program, psychologist John Marsden attempts to unravel the mysteries surrounding deception and identify its cues in body language and facial expression. Dr. Marsden interviews Donald Bickerstaff, a man who swindled millions from investment clients and who displays little remorse for his dishonesty. Dr. Marsden also meets Beth Shannon, a portrait artist with an uncanny ability to spot falsehoods, and confronts that most merciless of lie detectors, the polygraph machine.
HEARTBREAK
It can lead to isolation, to depression, even to violence. In this program, psychologist John Marsden investigates the devastating effect that social and romantic rejection can have on the brain, the body, and human behavior. Using the latest neuro-imaging technology, Dr. Marsden examines the links between unrequited love and physical pain; he also sheds light on why crimes of passion and revenge occur, and explains how early childhood experiences of rejection can shape adult relationships. Examples of romantic failure and social isolation are analyzed through their physical manifestations - although these are shown to vary according to gender.
PERSUADERS
Is there a way to cut in line without creating hard feelings? Why are peer groups such a strong influence on individuals? What is the secret to swaying the undecided and winning over the skeptical? In this program, psychologist John Marsden illustrates how experts in the art of persuasion think and operate, and how their goals can become transparent. Dr. Marsden talks with salespeople, marketing gurus, and business owners - as well as a hypnotist who can pull teeth without anesthetics and a former cult member who has firsthand experience in being psychologically controlled. From overt dominance to discreet manipulation, the multifaceted world of persuasion is revealed.
URBAN SURVIVAL
Are humans genetically disposed to live in large, dense group - or are we actually unfit as a species to do so? In this program, psychologist John Marsden dissects the behavior of city dwellers, analyzing why some people are capable of living shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands or even millions of their fellow humans - while others clearly are not. Dr. Marsden inquires into the dangers of city life, the complex nature of urban etiquette, and - through experiments on unwitting test subjects - the visible effects of sensory overload and urban anonymity. He even gets wired up himself, joining a riot-control simulation to measure his own stress levels.
[Search Again] [Home]